Feeling that mid-week slump creeping in? We’ve all been there, when your coffee’s losing its magic and the days start to blur together. Sometimes, all you need is a fresh soundtrack to shake off the monotony and recharge your mood. 

Our mid-week playlist is stacked with new releases across genres, from the moody country-pop of THE WESTERNS to the heartfelt sounds of Louis Tomlinson and Luke Combs, the experimental pop of Fred Again, and the fresh sounds from Artemas and Jazzy. Whether you’re craving something introspective, something to move to, or just a soundtrack to get you through the rest of the week, this playlist has you covered.

THE WESTERNS – La Mirada

Los Angeles-based THE WESTERNS deliver a standout track with “La Mirada,” released September 25 ahead of their forthcoming album Cowtown (out October 10). The song blends the band’s Americana roots with modern synth-pop flourishes, capturing the romance of the West with a haunting, otherworldly vibe. Written about a memorable trip to San Miguel de Allende, Matthew Hart describes it as “mezcal, a hot summer night, and time slowing down with someone you love,” while Kit Pongetti adds, “It’s so simple yet evocative… You just want to be in this place!”

“La Mirada” perfectly represents the sonic world of Cowtown — emotional, cinematic, and modern. The album itself is a reflection of both personal and geographic homecoming for Hart, who calls it “a love letter to Texas roots.” Across its tracks, Cowtown references real and mythic landscapes — from Dallas and Fort Worth to El Paso and New Mexico — exploring themes of family, romance, betrayal, and redemption. 

Blending Americana storytelling with the fresh synth and pop sensibilities of two artists who grew up on early MTV, THE WESTERNS redefine what country-pop can sound like. As a self-described “y’allternative” duo, born out of the pandemic and rooted in decades of California performances, Hart and Pongetti infuse Cowtown with heartfelt nostalgia and contemporary edge, with La Mirada setting the tone and the album promising to be both a journey through place and a meditation on love, loss, and the ever-evolving spirit of the American West.

Louis Tomlinson – Lemonade

Louis Tomlinson returns with “Lemonade,” a track that blends heartfelt pop melodies with raw, unfiltered emotion. Exploring themes of reflection and longing, it pairs uplifting energy with an introspective edge, drawing listeners in from the first note. As the song builds, it reveals its full scope — soaring riffs, a commanding vocal, and a chorus built to fill arenas and echo long after it ends.

Henry Moodie – Mood Swings

Rising artist Henry Moodie brings dynamic indie-pop with “Mood Swings.” With catchy hooks and emotionally charged lyrics, the track captures the highs and lows of modern life and relationships. Its infectious energy makes it one of the standout indie releases of the week.

Luke Combs – Days Like This

Country powerhouse Luke Combs delivers heartfelt, anthemic storytelling on “Days Like This.” With his signature vocal grit and relatable lyricism, Combs strikes a balance of nostalgia and optimism, celebrating life’s small, meaningful moments. Stripped-down, acoustic, and deeply sincere, the track showcases his ability to convey emotion with every note, making it an essential listen for longtime country fans and newcomers alike.

Fred Again – You’re A Star

“You’re A Star” fuses Fred Again’s signature emotional electronica with the raw, unfiltered punk energy of Amyl & The Sniffers. Amy Taylor’s snarling vocals cut through Fred’s textured, layered production, creating an explosive hybrid that’s as chaotic as it is euphoric. The result is a track that perfectly captures the spirit of both artists — cathartic, visceral, and vibrantly alive.

Artemas – Superstar

Pop talent Artemas radiates confidence on “Superstar,” a track bursting with catchy hooks, vibrant production, and playful lyricism. His signature sultry vocals glide effortlessly over inventive, rhythmically textured production, with unexpected pauses that make every moment feel dynamic and alive. The result is a fun, engaging, and memorable track that perfectly showcases Artemas’s charisma while resonating with his passionate, enthusiastic fan base.

Leon Thomas – Just How You Are

Leon Thomas delivers a sultry, moody R&B vibe with “Moth To A Flame,” where intimate production and emotive vocals create a hypnotic, late-night listening experience. Building on the sonic world of Mutt, Thomas’ acclaimed 2024 sophomore album, “Just How You Are” ups the ante with a gutsier fusion of funk, rock, and R&B. Thomas’ soulful voice weaves seamlessly through the track’s live instrumentation, from the psychedelic shimmer of Freaky Rob’s guitar to the rollicking groove of D Phelps’ drums — crafting a rich, immersive sound that lingers long after the song ends.

Jazzy – Moth To A Flame

Jazzy delivers a sultry, moody R&B vibe with “Moth To A Flame,” where intimate production and emotive vocals create a hypnotic, late-night listening experience. The track features a standout collaboration with Luuk Van Dijk, whose captivating verse adds depth and brilliance, leaving listeners truly captivated. With its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Moth To A Flame” strikes an emotional chord, cementing Jazzy’s knack for crafting songs that linger long after the last note. 

Gucci Mane – Only Time

Gucci Mane’s “Only Time” blends his signature trap energy with introspective lyrics, layering his laid-back delivery over crisp percussion and dark, minimalistic melodies. The track balances rhythmic drive with sharp wordplay, echoing the trap sound that helped define the early 2010s while reflecting the more mature artist he’s become. With steady flows, compelling hooks, and unmistakable style, “Only Time” showcases Gucci at his signature best — familiar yet evolved, and thoroughly engaging for longtime fans.